New business to offer hospital alternative

The business offers IV drug treatments mostly to patients suffering from chronic conditions like M.S. and Crohn’s disease. (Louis Finley/KTVO)

KIRKSVILLE, Mo. —

Business 101. Start a business in a location where you find a need.

Infusion Express has locations in Kansas City, Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco and now Kirksville. Company officials gathered at the new location at 1108 E. Patterson to celebrate Tuesday at its grand opening.

The business offers IV drug treatments mostly to patients suffering from chronic conditions like M.S. and Crohn’s disease.

"We heard people, through Dr. [Robert] Jackson, that they were driving 50 to 100 miles one way just to get a regular infusion, and that's a huge inconvenience and when access is that challenging, people tend not to go," said Infusion Express owner Don Peterson.

Peterson said treatments are cheaper than hospitals, and it gets those who are mobile out of their houses, working around their schedules. The Kirksville clinic will be the company's first rural location in the country.

*This story has been changed from an earlier version that incorrectly quoted Mr. Peterson. People were driving "50 to 100 miles" not "15 to 100 miles." It has also been updated with more information.